The Frugalista’s: 5 steps for buying meat in bulk

Carrie Kirby is the self-proclaimed Frugalista and recently Carrie ran an article in the Chicago Tribune Good Eating Section talking about how someone who loves meat, but dislikes meat sold by a factory farm and loaded with socially irresponsible practices. She offers some great strategies that can drop the cost of beef cuts down to $4.20 a pound for hormone-free, antibiotic-free beef.I have been looking for a solution to this issue and I really thought that this was worth sharing.

Ed and Leah Payne, of Niles, Ill., paid $650 for a side of beef this year — about $4.20 per pound of hormone-free, antibiotic-free beef. That was more than they would usually pay for ground beef, which made up about half the meat. But because the cost is the same for every cut, Ed said, “you’re paying $4 a pound for steak and roast, and that’s not as easy to come by at that price.”

1. Buy a chest freezer. Used is fine, as long as it’s not so inefficient that it drives up your electricity bill. Stick a thermometer in there to make sure it’s maintaining the proper temperature before entrusting it with a large amount of meat. And before you buy, make sure you have a reliable power supply for a freezer.

3. Understand the price. If you are quoted a “hanging weight” price, know that the final price of the packaged meat will be around 30 percent higher. Ask if there is a slaughter fee, delivery fee or any other extras.